Peach tree named ‘Vista Snow’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of peach tree ( Prunus persica ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consist of the following combination of desirable features:
         1. Fruit ripening during the early maturing season.   2. Having a low winter chilling requirement of approximately 250 hours at or below 45° F.   3. Fruit with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor.   4. Vigorous, upright tree growth.   5. Heavy and regular production of fruit.   6. Fruit with a high degree of attractive orange-red skin color.

BACKGROUND OF THE VARIETY Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which plums, peaches, nectarines,apricots, cherries and interspecifics are exemplary. It was against thisbackground of our activities that the present variety of peach tree wasoriginated and asexually reproduced by us in our experimental orchardlocated near Modesto, Calif.

PRIOR VARIETIES

Among the existing varieties of peach and nectarine trees, which areknown to us, and mentioned herein, ‘Desertgold’ Peach (non-patented),‘Floraprince’ Peach (non-patented), ‘Rich May’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 7,432), ‘Redwing’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 621), ‘Giant Babcock’Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,353), ‘White Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat.No. 5,821), ‘May Crest’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,064) and ‘EarlySungrand’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420).

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The new and distinct variety of peach tree (Prunus persica) wasoriginated by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif. as a first generation cross between two proprietary seedlingswith field identification numbers ‘174LE309’ and ‘2LD470’. The maternalparent (174LE309) was originated by us from crosses between thefollowing varieties; ‘Desertgold’ Peach (non-patented), ‘Floraprince’Peach (non-patented), ‘Rich May’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 7,432) and‘Early Sungrand’ Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420). The pollenparent (2LD470) originated from crosses between the following varieties;‘Redwing’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 621), ‘Giant Babcock’ Peach (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 1,353), ‘White Lady’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 5,821),‘May Crest’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,064) and ‘Early Sungrand’Nectarine (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 1,420). We planted and maintained a largegroup of these first generation seedlings on their own root system,during which time one seedling, which is the present variety, exhibiteddesirable tree and fruit characteristics and was selected in 1998 forasexual propagation and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of peach tree wasby budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by usin our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows thatreproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics ofthe tree and its fruit are established and transmitted throughsucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

The new variety of peach tree is of large size, vigorous, upright growthand a regular and productive bearer of medium size, firm, white flesh,clingstone fruit with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor and excellenteating quality. The fruit is further characterized by ripening in theearly maturity season, being relatively uniform in ripening, havingcream skin color, nearly overspread with an attractive orange-red blushand nearly globose in shape. The tree having a low winter chillingrequirement of approximately 250 hours at or below 45° F. and, incomparison to the low chilling variety ‘Desertgold’ Peach(non-patented), the fruit of the new variety is white flesh instead ofyellow, has firmer flesh with greater storage and shipping quality, andis approximately 27 days earlier in maturity. In comparison to theyellow flesh peach ‘May Crest’ Peach (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 4,064), thenew variety requires approximately 400 hours less winter chilling, haswhite flesh and is approximately 17 days earlier in maturity. Incomparison to its maternal plant (174LE309) the fruit of the new varietyhas white flesh instead of yellow and matures approximately 5 daysearlier. In comparison to the paternal parent (2LD470), the tree of thenew variety requires approximately 150 hours less winter chilling andproduces fruit that are larger in size with improved flavor.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new peach variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofpeach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observations of5 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color inaccordance with Munsell Book of Color.

-   Tree:    -   -   Size.—Large, normal for peach trees. Pruned 3 to 3.5 meters            in height for economical harvesting of fruit.        -   Vigor.—Vigorous, tree growth of 1.5 to 2 meters the first            growing season. Varies with fertility and type of the soil.        -   Form.—Upright. Usually pruned to vase shape.        -   Branching habit.—Upright, crotch angle approximately 35°,            increases with heavy crop load.        -   Productivity.—Productive, normal thinning and spacing of            fruit necessary for desired market size fruit.        -   Bearer.—Regular, adequate fruit set 3 consecutive years. No            alternate bearing observed.        -   Fertility.—Self fertile.        -   Density.—Medium dense. Pruning to vase shape desirable to            enhance fruit color and keep fruit wood healthy.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California. Tree grown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Winter            chilling requirement approximately 250 hours at or below 45°            F.-   Trunk:    -   -   Size.—Medium stocky. Average circumference 49.0 cm at 20.8            cm above ground on a 5 year old tree.        -   Stocky.—Medium stocky.        -   Texture.—Medium shaggy.        -   Color.—Varies from 5YR 6/2 to 5YR 5/2.-   Branches:    -   -   Size.—Medium, normal for peach trees. Average circumference            25.1 cm at 1 meter above ground. Average crotch angle 35°.        -   Surface texture.—New growth smooth, varies from medium to            rough with age.        -   Lenticels.—Average number 54 in a 25.8 square cm area.            Average length 2.9 mm. Average width 1.1 mm. Color varies            from 5YR 6/8 to 5YR 5/8.        -   Color.—New growth varies from 5GY 6/6 to 7.5R 5/4 when            exposed to sunlight. Old growth varies from 5YR 4/4 to 7.5YR            3/4. Varies with age of growth.-   Leaves:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 146.5 mm. Average width 33.0 mm.        -   Form.—Lanceolate.        -   Apex.—Acuminate.        -   Base.—Cuneate.        -   Margin.—Crenate.        -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth, slight            indentations over midrib and leaf veins, glabrous. Lower            surface relatively smooth, small ridges created by midrib            and pinnate venation, glabrous.        -   Petiole.—Average length 10.7 mm. Average width 1.5 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 7/6. Grooved longitudinally.            Glabrous.        -   Glands.—Reniform. Size — medium. Average length 1.2 mm.            Average diameter 0.7 mm. Average number 3, varies from 3            to 5. Located primarily on base of leaf blade and upper            portion of petiole. Color varies from 2.5GY 7/6 to 2.5GY            6/8.        -   Color.—Upper surface varies from 2.5GY 4/6 to 5GY 3/6. Lower            surface varies from 5GY 5/4 to 5GY 4/4. Midvein color varies            from 2.5GY 7/6 to 5GY 7/6.-   Flower buds:    -   -   Size.—Large. Average length 14.6 mm. Average diameter 9.9            mm.        -   Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of            California.        -   Form.—Plump, conical, becoming elongated before opening.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.5 mm. Average width 1.4 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 5/6.        -   Color.—Varies from 7.5RP 5/4 to 5RP 8/6.-   Flowers:    -   -   Size.—Large, showy. Average height 18.5 mm. Average diameter            36.2 mm.        -   Petals.—Number 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Orbicular,            apex rounded, base narrows at point of attachment. Average            length 17.1 mm. Average width 16.0 mm. Margin — sinuate,            slightly cupped. Upper and lower surfaces glabrous. Color            varies from 5RP 8/6 to 7.5RP 8/6.        -   Sepals.—Number 5, alternately arranged to petals. Shape —            ovate, apex rounded. Average length 5.6 mm. Average width            4.7 mm. Upper surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent.            Color — upper surface varies from 5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/8, lower            surface varies from 7.5RP 4/4 to 7.5RP 3/6. Margin — entire.        -   Stamens.—Average number 44 per flower. Average filament            length 14.0 mm. Filament color varies from N9.5/ to 5RP 8/4.            Anther color varies from 10RP 5/10 to 10RP 4/10.        -   Pollen.—Self fertile. Color — 2.5Y 8/10.        -   Pistil.—Number — normally one, varies from 1 to 2. Surface            pubescent. Average length 15.7 mm. Position of stigma —            average 1.1 mm above anthers. Color varies from 10Y 8/4 to            10Y 8/6.        -   Fragrance.—Slight.        -   Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 17, 2003. Date of            Petal Fall Feb. 27, 2003. Varies slightly with climatic            conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 5RP 7/6 to 7.5RP 8/4, color fades with            age of flower.        -   Number flowers per flower bud.—Normally one.        -   Pedicel.—Average length 3.9 mm. Average width 1.3 mm. Color            varies from 2.5GY 6/6 to 5GY 5/6.-   Fruit:    -   -   Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.        -   Date of first picking.—May 5, 2003.        -   Date of last picking.—May 10, 2003, varies slightly with            climatic conditions.        -   Size.—Medium. Average diameter axially 56.6 mm. Average            transversely in suture plane 57.2 mm. Average weight 103.5            grams. Average weight varies slightly with fertility of the            soil, amount of thinning and climatic conditions.        -   Form.—Globose.        -   Suture.—Shallow, extends from base to apex.        -   Ventral surface.—Nearly smooth, very slightly lipped.        -   Apex.—Slight tip.        -   Base.—Retuse.        -   Cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane.            Average depth 3.3 mm. Average diameter 10.2 mm.-   Stem:    -   -   Size.—Small. Average length 7.2 mm. Average diameter 3.6 mm.        -   Color.—Varies from 2.5GY 6/8 to 5GY 6/6.-   Flesh:    -   -   Ripens.—Evenly.        -   Texture.—Firm.        -   Fibers.—Few, small, tender.        -   Firmness.—Firmer than most early maturing varieties, such as            ‘Desertgold’ Peach (non-patented).        -   Aroma.—Slight to moderate.        -   Amydgalin.—Undetected.        -   Eating quality.—Excellent, mild, sub-acid.        -   Flavor.—Very good.        -   Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.        -   Brix.—Average 11.1°, varies slightly with amount of fruit            per tree and climatic conditions.        -   Color.—Varies from 5Y 9/2 to 7.5Y 9/2. Pit cavity varies            from 5Y 8.5/4 to 5Y 8.5/6.-   Skin:    -   -   Thickness.—Medium.        -   Surface.—Smooth.        -   Down.—Moderate amount, very short in length.        -   Tendency to crack.—None.        -   Color.—Ground color varies from 2.5Y 8.5/8 to 5Y 9/6.            Overspread with 5R 4/10 to 7.5R 5/10 on approximately 70% of            the fruit.        -   Tenacity.—Tenacious to flesh.        -   Astringency.—None.-   Stone:    -   -   Type.—Clingstone.        -   Size.—Medium. Average length 26.3 mm. Average width 18.8 mm.            Average depth 14.0 mm.        -   Form.—Obovoid.        -   Base.—Flat.        -   Apex.—Nearly rounded, slight point. Average length 0.3 mm.        -   Surface.—Very lightly pitted throughout, pit cavities vary            from round to slightly elongated. One furrow on each side of            suture.        -   Sides.—Vary from equal to unequal with one side extending            further from suture plane.        -   Ridges.—Relatively small and smooth.        -   Tendency to split.—Very slight.        -   Color.—5Y 9/2, when dry.-   Kernal:    -   -   Form.—Ovate.        -   Taste.—Bitter.        -   Viability.—Non-viable, incomplete embryo.        -   Size.—Medium. Average length 15.3 mm. Average width 9.9 mm.            Average depth 5.0 mm.        -   Skin color.—5Y 8.5/2, when dry.-   Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.-   Keeping quality: Good, held firm in cold storage at 38° to 42° F.    for 10 days without internal breakdown or appreciable loss of    flavor.-   Shipping quality: Good, minimal bruising of flesh or skin scarring    during picking and packing trials.-   Plant/fruit disease resistance susceptibility: No specific testing    for relative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has been    designed. Under close observation during planting, growing, and    harvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions    near Modesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance    or susceptibility has been observed. Any variety or selection    observed during indexing of plant characteristics with abnormal    fungus, bacterial, virus or insect susceptibility is destroyed and    eliminated from our breeding program.

The present new variety of peach tree, its flowers, foliage and fruitherein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

1. A new and distinct variety of peach tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its low winter chillingrequirement, its large size, vigorous upright growth and being a regularand productive bearer of medium size, early maturing, white flesh,clingstone fruit with a mild, sweet, sub-acid flavor and excellenteating quality; the fruit is further characterized by having anattractive orange-red skin color and, in comparison to the low chillingvariety ‘Desertgold’ Peach (non-patented), the fruit has a moreattractive red skin color, firmer flesh and is approximately 27 daysearlier in maturity.